Visiting New York can be a different adventure each and every time you set foot in the city. Start off with a private helicopter tour for the ultimate in Manhattan sightseeing, or visit the Brooklyn Bridge and Brooklyn Bridge Park for incredible views and one-of-a-kind photographs. The richly historic Grand Central Terminal and New York Public Library, as well as many New York City museums, have featured prominently in plenty of television shows and movies, and the spectacular architecture alone is worth a visit. Book a private tour of the Metropolitan Museum of Art to take your time enjoying the masterpieces housed there, or stretch your boundaries at the Museum of Modern Art, where the collection is one of the largest and most influential in the world.

Adjacent to the New York Public Library is Bryant Park, sometimes referred to as Manhattan’s Town Square because of its lush seasonal gardens, winter-time ice skating, free activities, and al fresco dining. This multi-function public space is one of the busiest in the world, and your gateway to plenty of fun. Within just a few blocks are Rockefeller Center and the world-famous Empire State Building. A short walk north is another feature of New York City that is arguably one of its most recognizable: Central Park. With over twenty playgrounds, a castle, a zoo, fragrant gardens, grassy hills, and an ice rink in the winter season, this New York staple is part of daily life for many residents and the perfect backdrop for a photography session.

Standing as the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere on the banks of the Hudson River, One World Observatory offers views from atop One World Trade Center. Unique Sky Pod elevators climb 102 stories to the top in 47 seconds, and the observatory itself is three levels, with a café, fine dining, and interactive guided tour. Inspirational and innovative exhibits and films bring history to life for visitors, and families are encouraged to all visit together. Just across the street from One World Trade Center is the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. Open daily, the outdoor memorial is free, but the museum requires tickets. Private tours are available, as well, for a more intimate visit to this national monument.

Broadway

Broadway might just be New York’s most famous street (running right through the world-renowned, neon-illuminated Times Square), and when you visit you must see a show or two. When it comes to theater, New York City is undoubtedly the global leader, whether you choose to attend an opera at the Met, in Lincoln Center, or go to a Broadway show. Boasting the best talent from around the world, The Metropolitan Opera company has been producing shows since 1883 and is continually striving to perfect the classics and break new ground with emerging artists. Buying tickets early helps guarantee the best seats for you and your guests, and you can usually get a better price, too. (Speaking of Broadway, plan a visit to Alexander Hamilton’s house in nearby Harlem – it’s the only house in New York he ever owned. Curated as part of the National Parks system, Hamilton Grange offers ranger-led tours of its historically furnished rooms.)

Outdoor Activities

When you are ready to escape the concrete and skyscrapers, check out the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Founded in 1910 and today holding thousands of different plants, trees, and flowers, it is a stunning collection, and peaceful respite from the rush of the city. The Garden’s mission is to help connect people to the plant world, while providing preservation and leadership for the future. Go for a leisurely wander down the High Line, an elevated park in the West End of Manhattan. The 1.45-mile long walking path is 30 feet above the hustle of the street below, featuring beautiful flora, views, and benches. If you have a little bit more time, hop on the Staten Island Ferry. Even if you’re not heading to Staten Island, riding on the ferry will give you a chance to feel the salty breeze of the open water while gliding past the iconic New York skyline and the Statue of Liberty. Plan a day at the Bronx Zoo where, spread over 265 acres, visitors can see snow leopards, Asian elephants, grizzly bears and over 700 other species. Opened in 1899 originally as a conservation park, the modern-day Bronx Zoo maintains its commitment to environmental and wildlife conservation efforts.

Shopping – Nightlife – Dining

The shopping in New York City is simply unparalleled. Between the boutique shops tucked within each borough representing local color and culture, the multitude of flagship stores for the biggest names in fashion, and the gorgeous malls sprinkled around the city, you will never run out of opportunities to shop for thrilling new treasures. Bergdorf Goodman, on Fifth Avenue, is one of the most iconic shopping landmarks, though, and should not be missed. For more pampering, plan to visit Guerlain Spa at the Waldorf Astoria. This luxurious and quiet 14,000 square-foot urban retreat creates such a relaxing space, you will feel as though you’re on your own private cloud. They offer numerous legendary signature treatments, and every aspect of your visit is customizable to create an ultimate experience tailored just for your needs.

Nightlife in New York City is nonstop, with roof top bars, dancing, and live music of every variety. The Marquee nightclub is known for its trendy, fun atmosphere and bottle service, while the Attaboy cocktail bar is an intimate, industrial environment with bartenders who will skillfully handcraft any cocktail for you. No matter which borough you find yourself in when night falls, there is an almost endless array of local hotspots to choose from for an exceptional night out in New York, whether you’re seeking to dance, catch some late-night comedy, hang out in a biergarten, or go to a cabaret.

Ranked as the best restaurant in North America, Eleven Madison Park is spectacular, requires a reservation, and features a ten-course tasting menu which fuses French techniques with New York flair, all overlooking Madison Square Park. If you’re seeking to splurge on something as beautiful as it is delicious, try the 24K gold-wrapped wings at The Ainsworth, or settle into the warmth of genuine hospitality at Nino’s Restaurant in Manhattan and make sure to order the Bellissima pie (pizza topped with lobster and caviar). Daniel, a three-star Michelin contemporary French restaurant in Upper East Side, delivers seasonal cuisine that seamlessly marries perfectly-executed French flavors with the finest in American ingredients. Restaurant Daniel boasts a carefully curated wine list with over 1,600 selections, dating from 1945, with many very rare selections. The Top of The Standard is located at the penthouse floor of the Standard Hotel, and when night falls it transforms from relaxed lounge to chic bar. With excellent live jazz in the evening hours, small plates, and marvelous creative cocktails, reservations are a must. Another New York City landmark worth making a reservation for is Serendipity 3. Along with reservations, however, you’ll need to place your order at least 48 hours in advance for the Golden Opulence Sundae. The sundae has its own Wikipedia entry. Piled high in a Baccarat Harcourt crystal goblet are the world’s finest vanilla ice cream and cacao, which is then covered with 23K gold, and served with an 18K gold spoon. The glass and spoon are yours to keep.